On Friday, during Matchday 2 of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Angers (7th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 8:45 p.m., CET). On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique “makes decisions based on pressure.”
What do you think of Chevalier’s debut and what do you specifically expect from him? In terms of kicking?
To be honest, I think if I have to talk about this topic, I need to do it in Spanish. I don’t have the words to define everything. Can I? Perfect.
We want an associative style of play, with the ability to take the lead, to make decisions based on pressure. Without the ball, he has to cover the defense and, of course, manage the usual situations for a goalkeeper.
Mentally, he has to be a leader, he sees the whole pitch, he has an overview. We ask that of all goalkeepers.
Luis Enrique: “It’s the phase of the game we’re most familiar with.”
Nantes played very deep, do you fear that Ligue 1 teams will be even more defensive?
It’s a habit. We saw that two years ago, last season, and it will be the same. We’re used to playing against low blocks. It’s always difficult against a density of big players, with little space. It’s tough; there’s no time to think, to execute the play. But we’re used to it. It’s the phase of the game we’re most familiar with.
Luis Enrique: “We’ve played our last 10 games away, now’s the time to enjoy the stadium and the fans.”
Did you miss the Parc des Princes?
Of course, a lot. It’s always nice to play with our fans; it’s a different atmosphere. We’ve played our last 10 away games; it’s time to enjoy the stadium and the fans. We’re very strong with their support. This will be our first home game; we want to play at our best. There’s still a bit left, but we have to prepare for the match in the best possible way. It will be difficult; we know Angers’ defensive and offensive qualities.
Luis Enrique: “We’re ready for all situations.”
Is the transfer window over for you? Are you still expecting changes?
Our obligation as a club is to remain open until the end of the transfer window. We have to be ready for all circumstances. We’re happy with our signings. But we’re ready for all situations.
You mentioned feeling with the ball and being unpredictable. Can you explain?
It’s like the first interview after the holidays; we have doubts (laughs). The first week, you’re a little lost as a player. The rest is long, it’s different. But after two weeks, everyone is ready. Tomorrow, against Angers, we have to be ready. It will be difficult. We’ll have to be clear-headed to get the better of a team that knows how to defend, that won’t leave any space. We have to be ready.
Luis Enrique: “Sport and people are beyond political or economic matters.”
Is it essential to have all the players ready, even as substitutes, for the start of the season?
It’s a constant. It’s not easy to know that you can be important even if you’re on the bench. But we’re used to it. It’s an important quality for our team.
How are things going between Matvey Safonov and Ilya Zabarnyi? Have you spoken about it with Luis Campos?
Sport is the best way to have the ability to add people and create unity, not separation. Sport and people are more important than politics or economics.
Luis Enrique: “We know where we want to go, and that’s the most important thing for me.”
It’s a courageous choice to replace Donnarumma with Chevalier; what does he have that’s better?
These are always difficult decisions to make. It’s not a problem for me, but I’m not going to publicly explain it to the players at PSG. I can understand the criticism, what’s being thought. But we’re calm, we’re at ease. We know where we want to go, and that’s the most important thing for me.
What do you think of Dembélé’s first matches? How can I be even better?
I think this season is the challenge for Ousmane. Last year was incredible, and I’m convinced he can improve his performances. Without a doubt. You have to be very brave to say that, but I think he’s got the level. He’s a very important player. He has both offensive and defensive qualities. I always want him to be there with a smile. I’m happy and I hope the year will be even better for him and the team.
PSG scored two goals from outside the box. Is this a new tactical weapon?
It’s one of the solutions you have to look for when attacking a low block. We have different options against a low block, and this is part of it. I’m happy to have players with this quality.Luis Enrique: “If a player deserves to play, his age, nationality, or anything else doesn’t matter.”
Before starting a match, can you choose a player based on “gut feeling,” or does a jersey choice matter? Do you have any superstitions?
No, not when choosing a player. I don’t do any of that. I’m proud of my work, and the rest, superstitions, there’s nothing. As a player, I was a little, but as a coach, nothing. If I see a player at a very high level in training, he’ll play. That’s the agreement we have. If a player deserves to play, his age, nationality, or anything else doesn’t matter. I try to do that all the time.
What new things can you bring mentally? In terms of competition?
What we can add is to work on the things we think are important for the match. It’s not just about attacking a low block, but also about having the best structure to press when you lose the ball. Every match is different and presents different situations to manage. We know more or less what can happen, but we have to adapt. We’re open to being ready to analyze everything. It’s always different.
Luis Enrique: “Changing everything, changing nothing, it’s not public. It’s my job, the team’s, the club’s.”
What do you want to change compared to last year?
Changing everything, changing nothing, it’s not public. It’s my job, the team’s, the club’s. But I think repeating what you did to win last year can work, but you have to be ready to be unpredictable, different. We make decisions that may be difficult to understand, but we’re ready. We continue to make choices, signings. But we can’t say it publicly.
What do you think of Ligue 1+? Are you ready to open up your daily life?
We’ve shown you everything, there’s nothing more interesting! (smiles).
